Ward 6 Weekly Update 11/18/2022

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November 18, 2022

Shape the Future of the Payne-Phalen Neighborhood

shape the future of Payne Phalen

You are invited to help shape the future of Payne-Phalen by joining your neighbors to share your stories and hear theirs.  Everyone who lives or works in Payne Phalen neighborhood is encouraged to share! These stories will become a part of the District Plan that the city of St. Paul uses to plan, develop, and share resources with the neighborhood. You will also be invited to see and comment on that plan as it takes shape over the course of 2023. Please join in this step toward a more prosperous, inclusive future for everyone. Sponsored by the Payne Phalen Community Council, Wonderlust Productions, and hosted by 8218 Truce Center. 

  • Sat, Nov 19, 10:30-12:30 pm Arlington Hills Library (1200 Payne)
  • Sat, Dec 3, 1:00-3:00 pm Truce Center (973 Payne)
  • Mon, Dec 5, 6:00-8:00 pm Arlington Hills Library (1200 Payne)
  • Tues, Dec 6, 6:00-8:00 pm East Side Freedom Library 91105 Greenbrier St)
  • Thurs, Dec 8, 7:00-9:00 pm Black Sheep Tattoo (713 Minnehaha Ave E)

Contact info@wlproductions.org for more.


Financial Help for Homeowners

foreclosure


The Saint Paul Homeownership Preservation Program (SPHPP) still has funds available to help struggling local homeowners with future housing costs. Eligible Saint Paul homeowners can receive grants for direct mortgage assistance or other associated costs.

Assistance with eligible future costs requires household income no higher than 60 percent of the area median income, and a housing “cost-burden” greater than 30 percent (i.e. the household spends more than 30 percent of its total monthly income on eligible housing costs).

Eligible applicants will be referred to a foreclosure prevention advisor with a Minnesota Homeownership Center network partner. Foreclosure prevention advising is required to be eligible for any potential financial assistance, which is being offered for future housing expenses and past-due bills under specific conditions. The maximum amount available to any household through SPHPP is $35,000. Payments will be made directly to the entity that is owed the funds.

Check your eligibility and get started by visiting hocmn.org/stpaulhpp or by calling 651-236-8952.


Section 8 Wait List Opening

Housing Choice Voucher Program


The St. Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) will accept applications for its Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) waiting list from Tuesday, November 15th - 21st by 11:49pm

Applicants can apply at www.waitlistcheck.com/STPAUL. Check their status of your application at www.waitlistcheck.com or by calling 651-371-6135.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as the Section 8 Program, assists very low-income families with rental subsidies paid to landlords in the private rental market.  Housing Choice Voucher participants typically pay 30% of their income towards their rent, and the PHA pays the rest, up to a reasonable market rent.  The St. Paul PHA currently assists over 5,000 households through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

More information about the Housing Choice Voucher program can be found at www.stpha.org and www.HousingLink.org


East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Grants Available

business corridors eligible for grant

Is your East Side business or non-profit in need of economic relief? Is your business along Payne Ave, Arcade St, East 7th St, or White Bear Ave? If yes, apply for the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program!

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has been selected as one of the partner organizations for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)'s Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

This program will distribute up to $7 million in grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations for capital projects in select St Paul business corridors. 

Grants will support economic recovery from the impacts of civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges to these commercial corridors since March 15, 2020.

Learn more and apply here. For translation support, please call 651.325.4202.


30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Program

affordable housing


Utilizing American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the City established the 30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Program. Saint Paul’s current solicitation aims to facilitate the creation of multifamily rental housing that includes units affordable to households at or below the 30% Area Median Income level ($35,190 for a family of four). This solicitation has an added focus on increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing and prioritizing equitable development.

View application criteria and apply here by Wednesday, November 30, 2022, by 4:30 p.m.


Hafner Site Request for Offers

former Hafner site


The City of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) released a Request for Offers (RFO) for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Hafner’s site located at 1570 White Bear Avenue on the Greater East Side of Saint Paul. Offers are due by 4 pm on Monday, December 5, 2022.  View the full RFO and find more information on how to submit proposal materials at stpaul.gov/1570WhiteBearAve.

About the site

The HRA acquired the property in 2002 and demolished the building in 2003. The 2.18-acre, vacant parcel offers proximity and access to transit, parks and natural amenities, the commercial districts along White Bear Avenue and the upcoming redevelopment of the former Hillcrest Golf Course site, now known as The Heights.

The HRA is seeking proposals that align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Greater East Side District and White Bear Avenue Small Area Plans. 

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet phone call appointments are available on Thursdays. Register online at stpaul.gov/ward6.


Expanded Skiing Options and New St.Paul-Ramsey Co Mutual Ski Passes 

cross country skiing


Love skiing? St Paul and Ramsey County are now offering mutual ski passes and expanded cross-country ski opportunities throughout the city and county park systems. The new mutual ski passes provide access to 60K of groomed cross-country ski trails across nine Saint Paul and Ramsey County locations! For full information, visit stpaul.gov/xcountryski.


COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Test to Treat


Four additional COVID-19 rapid tests per household will be available in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday through the state’s online ordering program. Minnesotans who have previously 
ordered tests are again able to receive four additional tests per household at order your free at-home rapid tests on mn.gov/covid19 or by calling 1-833-431-2053. Language assistance is available. 

Make an appointments to receive the newest covid booster, available for adults and children ages 5-11.

Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Self-testing 

What to do if you are Sick or Test Positive: COVID-19

Close Contact or Exposure to COVID-19


State Funds Available to Encourage Urban Agriculture

urban agriculture


Are you looking to promote urban agricultural youth education and urban agricultural community development? Apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant!  Submit your proposal by Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 4 pm. Visit the AGRI Urban Grants web page for more.


Final Design for the St Paul River Balcony

River Balcony design


Check out the final schematic design of the Saint Paul River Balcony! This is a proposed 1.5-mile promenade along downtown Saint Paul’s river bluff, and has been developed over months of community engagement.


Adaptive Recreation Programming

Adaptive Rec bowling


Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Activities include arts and crafts, bowling, archery, BINGO, music, and more! Schedules for November and December programming are available now.


Fall Swim Lessons & Memberships

people swimming


Register for Fall swimming lessons! Open-swim and all-access memberships are available for Great River Water Park. All-access memberships include water aerobics and lap swim in addition to open swim.


Year Round STAR Grants

Ward 6 STAR funding


Do you own a business or run a non-profit in St Paul's 6th Ward? Are you in need of funding for a time-sensitive building repair or improvement?

You may be eligible for a Year-Round STAR Grant from Ward 6. Please email our office at Ward6@stpaul.gov with information on your project and to receive an application.

Applications are subject to approval from the St Paul STAR Board and St Paul City Council. Funding is given as reimbursement for approved expenses, up to $15,000 per project per year.